5.14.2013

Try This: Beach Tote

Here in DC, our highs these days are in the 60s and our lows in the 40s, so other than the fact that I just returned from the beach, I would have a hard time believing that beach season is upon us. Nonetheless it is, and that means another excuse for yet another tote bag. As soon as I found this amazing ship fabric at Ikea last Spring, I knew I'd find a home for it in a summery project. While they no longer appear to carry it online, I feel confident that you'll find that perfect fabric for this amazing tasselled beach tote!

Read on for the full step-by-step.

Tote Materials: An oval approximately 48" in circumference and a rectangle approximately 14" x 50" in both the shell and lining fabric (4 fabric cuts total), an oval approximately 45" in circumference and a rectangle approximately 13" x 46" of heavyweight interfacing, magnetic snap closure, approximately 50" of double-fold bias tape in a complimentary color, two 14" leather straps, 8 small rivets, rivet-setting tool

To make the tote, follow all the same steps in my fabric + leather storage basket tutorial. The only differences is that in step 2 of the tutorial, you should install a magnetic snap closure about 1.5" from the top edge of the lining. For a detailed tutorial on how to install a magnetic snap, check out this one from Made by Rae. Additionally, you should treat the long sides of the oval bottom as the front and back of the bag, and with that in mind, construct the bag with the seam on the side and the handles and magnetic snap centered accordingly. Oh, and if you're still scared of leather straps and rivets, check out my full rivet rundown.

Tassel Materials: large gold cord end caps (like these), several 3" lengths and one 6" length of leather cord, two small gold jump rings, adhesive

Place a small amount of adhesive inside of the end cap, and insert as many of the 3" cord lengths as you can fit. Allow to dry.

Install a small jump ring on the end of the end cap.

Thread the 6" length of cord through the jump ring. Tighten the other jump ring around the cords, and tie the ends around one of the tote's handles.

Now you have a great big stylish tote bag ready to hold your beach towels, sunscreen, and whatever else you need for a jaunt to the beach!

Like one of my projects? Great! Want to re-post it? Fabulous! I just ask that you link back directly to the tutorial on my li'l blog here rather than re-posting the instructions. Other photo permission requests can be directed to mandy@fabricpaperglue.com. Thanks!

Visit my sponsor page for information on sponsorship opportunities and how I use affiliate links.